Lizard Loach

Homaloptera orthogoniata, the Lizard Loach, is a fascinating hillstream-adapted fish from fast-flowing rivers of Borneo and Sumatra. Its extremely flattened body, large pectoral fins, and sucking mouth give it an almost reptilian appearance as it clings to smooth rocks. A peaceful grazer of biofilm, algae, and small invertebrates. Requires excellent filtration with strong flow and cool, highly oxygenated water. Rarely available and highly sought by hillstream specialists.

Mandates strong flow (10–15× turnover), high O2, and smooth flat rocks for clinging. Temperature 22–26 °C. Supplement biofilm grazing with algae wafers and blanched zucchini. Very sensitive to dissolved organics — keep nitrates below 10 ppm.